Four-sided baby blanket

ABSTRACT

A baby blanket comprising a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first designed border, the second side having a second designed border, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the third side having a third designed border, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of blankets, and more particularly, to a four-sided baby blanket.

2. Description of Related Art

In the art of blankets, and specifically baby blankets, these items get a high level of use and are spoiled often. Baby blankets become dirty when dropped on the ground when home or out in public. Likewise, babies usually have messy or dirty hands which continually cause the baby blanket to require frequent washings. Consequently, there is a need for a four-sided baby blanket to allow the extended use of the baby blanket between washings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention a baby blanket is provided, comprising a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first designed border, the second side having a second designed border, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the third side having a third designed border, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length.

In one embodiment, the first length is a predetermined length to allow for a person to reach in between the first and second layers of material. In another embodiment, the opening is closed by a closure means consisting from the group of buttons, Velcro, snaps, hook and loops, and straps. In one embodiment, the first side consists of a first design and the second side consists of a second design, wherein the first design and second design are different.

In one embodiment, the second side includes a first at least one protruding element and the fourth side includes a second at least one protruding element. In one embodiment, the first and second at least one protruding elements are handles allowing for a person to grab the handles, and the first and second at least one protruding elements are located at one or more corner locations on the second and fourth side respectively. In another embodiment, the baby blanket has a first position wherein the first and third sides are exposed to the environment, and a second position wherein the second and fourth sides are exposed to the environment. In yet another embodiment, the person may convert the baby blanket to the second position from the first position by grabbing any of the first or second at least one protruding elements and pulling the second and fourth sides through the opening turning the baby blanket inside out.

In one embodiment, the first designed border consists of a first color and first texture and the second designed border consists of a second color and second texture, wherein the first color and second color are different, and the first texture and second texture are different. In another embodiment, the first and second layers of materials are of rectangular shape.

In another aspect to the invention, a method of turning a baby blanket inside out provided, the baby blanket including a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the second side includes a first at least one protruding element and the fourth side includes a second at least one protruding element, the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length, the opening is closed by a closure means, comprising steps: (a) disengaging the closure means and separating the first layer of material from the second layer of material exposing the opening; (b) reaching through the opening and engaging either the first or second at least one protruding element; and (c) pulling the and pulling the second and fourth sides through the opening turning the baby blanket inside out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a detailed view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a detailed view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view illustrating an alternative position of a four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative position of a four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a four-sided baby blanket.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a four-sided baby blanket 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 1A, a first side (A) of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated; the blanket comprises a first perimeter surface 101, including a first top side 102, and a first designed border 103. The first side of the blanket is comprised from a soft material, including but not limited to wool, cotton, flannel, fleece, polyester, or polyurethane laminate (PUL). The blanket may consist of any color or design. The designed border may be any design or various colors, textures, or materials designed to stimulate a baby's ocular, sensory, and cognitive development while providing social and emotional support. For instance, in some embodiments, the first designed border may include lace or a textured edge. Likewise, the first designed border may include colorful tabs or colorful strings stitched to the first perimeter surface. The colorful tabs and/or strings providing stimulus and developmental features to increase the baby's fine motor skills.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1A. Referring now to FIG. 1B, a second side (B) of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated; the blanket comprises a second perimeter surface 104, including a second top side 105, and a second designed border 106. Similarly to the first side (A; FIG. 1A), the second side (B) may consist of any design or color, and comprised of the same or a different material as the first side. Likewise, the second designed border may be any design or various colors, textures, or materials designed to stimulate a baby's ocular, sensory, and cognitive development while providing social and emotional support. In some embodiments, the second designed border is the same as the first designed border. In other embodiments, the second designed border is different than the first designed border. The second side and first side are stitched together at the second and first perimeter surface around the complete perimeter excluding a predetermined area located on the first and second top sides 102/105. This will be discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1A. As discussed previously, the first and second top sides 102/107 are attached via stitching 107 around the first and second perimeter surfaces. The stitching stops at a predetermined area for a specific length. The length of the predetermined area is designed to allow a person to reach in between the first side (A) and the second side (B).

FIG. 1D is a detailed view of the four-sided baby blanket as shown in FIG. 1C. The detailed view allows for a clear illustration showing the stitching and the predetermined area defined as opening 108, The opening may be closed by closure means 109. The closure means may be any closure means known in the art, including but not limited to buttons, Velcro®, snaps, straps, or hook and loops. As previously mentioned, the opening is a length allowing a person to reach in between the first side (A) and the second side (B).

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, STEP 1 for accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated. In STEP 1, the access to opening 108 is provided, by opening closure means 109 located along first and second top sides 102/105 of the first and second sides (A) and (B) respectively. Once opened, the first and second top sides are separated in opposite directions 110/110.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3B, STEP 2 for accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated. In STEP 2, a person has the means to reach in between the first side (A) and the second side (B) located at the opening. In FIG. 3B, protruding elements 207/208 located on the third and fourth sides (C/D) respectively are shown. The protruding elements may be any protruding materials attached to the third and fourth sides, including but not limited to flaps, tabs, straps, or loop. The protruding elements allow the person to hold either the third or fourth side. The location and size of the protruding elements may vary.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a step involved in accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, STEP 3 for accessing a third and fourth side of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated. In STEP 3, the person using either protruding element, such as protruding element 208 on fourth side (D) as illustrated, pulls the third and fourth side through opening 108 in an upward direction 112. Once completely pulled through, the third and fourth side is accessible for use.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view illustrating an alternative position of a four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 5A, a third side (C) of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated; the blanket comprises a third perimeter surface 201, including a third top side 202, and a third designed border 203. The third side of the blanket is comprised from a soft material, including but not limited to wool, cotton, flannel, fleece, polyester, or polyurethane laminate (PUL). The third side of the blanket may consist of any color or design. The designed border may be any design or various colors, textures, or materials designed to stimulate a baby's ocular, sensory, and cognitive development while providing social and emotional support. For instance, in some embodiments, the third designed border may include lace or a textured edge. Likewise, the third designed border may include colorful tabs or colorful strings stitched to the first perimeter surface, The colorful tabs and/or strings providing stimulus and developmental features to increase the baby's fine motor skills. The third side includes a first at least one protruding element 207 located on one or more corner locations around the third perimeter surface. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding element may be located at a center location of the third perimeter surface.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view illustrating an alternative position of a four-sided baby blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 5B, a fourth side (D) of the four-sided baby blanket is illustrated; the blanket comprises a fourth perimeter surface 204, including a fourth top side 205, and a fourth border 106. Similarly to the third side (C; FIG. 5A), the fourth side (D) may consist of any design or color, and comprised of the same or a different material as the third side. Likewise, the fourth side (D) may consist of any design or color, and comprised of the same or a different material as the first (A) and second side (B) as well. The fourth designed border may be any design or various colors, textures, or materials designed to stimulate a baby's ocular, sensory, and cognitive development while providing social and emotional support. In some embodiments, the fourth designed border is the same as the third, second, and first designed border. In other embodiments, the fourth designed border is different than the third, second, and first designed border. The fourth side includes a second at least one protruding element 208 located on one or more corner locations around the fourth perimeter surface. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding element may be located at a center location of the fourth perimeter surface. The same stitching that secures the first and second side together also secures the third and fourth side.

As discussed previously, the first and second at least one protruding elements are used as a grip when turning the four-sided baby blanket inside out to access either the third and fourth side. The first and second at least one protruding elements can be used as an identifier to alert the owner which arrangement the four-sided baby blanket is currently in. For instance, if the first and second sides of the four-sided baby blanket were already spoiled, and the four-sided baby blanket was in the position exposing the third and fourth side, once that arrangement was spoiled the owner would know it would be time to wash the four-sided baby blanket. Likewise, different colors or designs may also notify the owner which arrangement the four-sided baby blanket was currently in. Another use for the first and second at least one protruding elements may include hanging the four-sided baby blanket in various locations, such as on the handle of a stroller, a coat rack, door knob, or any other location with a hook, knob, or handle.

In some embodiments, each side (A), (B), (C), and (D) may consist of a separate layers of material that is stitched at each perimeter surface respectively. For instance, a first layer of material representing side (A) may be stitched to a second layer of material representing side (C), thus side (C) is the back side of side (A). In some embodiments, corresponding sides, such as (A) and (C) or (B) and (D) share a single layer of material.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A baby blanket comprising: a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first designed border, the second side having a second designed border, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the third side having a third designed border, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length.
 2. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first length is a predetermined length to allow for a person to reach in between the first and second layers of material.
 3. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the opening is closed by a closure means consisting from the group of buttons, Velcro, snaps, hook and loops, and straps.
 4. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first side consists of a first design and the second side consists of a second design, wherein the first design and second design are different.
 5. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the second side includes a first at least one protruding element and the fourth side includes a second at least one protruding element.
 6. The baby blanket of claim 5, wherein the first and second at least one protruding elements are handles allowing for a person to grab the handles, and the first and second at least one protruding elements are located at one or more corner locations on the second and fourth side respectively.
 7. The baby blanket of claim 6, wherein the baby blanket has a first position wherein the first and third sides are exposed to the environment, and a second position wherein the second and fourth sides are exposed to the environment.
 8. The baby blanket of claim 7, wherein the person may convert the baby blanket to the second position from the first position by grabbing any of the first or second at least one protruding elements and pulling the second and fourth sides through the opening turning the baby blanket inside out.
 9. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first designed border consists of a first color and first texture and the second designed border consists of a second color and second texture, wherein the first color and second color are different, and the first texture and second texture are different.
 10. The baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first and second layer of materials are of rectangular shape.
 11. A method of turning a baby blanket inside out, the baby blanket including a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the second side includes a first at least one protruding element and the fourth side includes a second at least one protruding element, the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length, the opening is closed by a closure means, comprising steps: (a) disengaging the closure means and separating the first layer of material from the second layer of material exposing the opening; (b) reaching through the opening and engaging either the first or second at least one protruding element; (c) pulling the and pulling the second and fourth sides through the opening turning the baby blanket inside out. 